_Ringing Church Bells at Death_ (Vol. viii., p. 55. &c.).--The custom of
ringing the church bell, as soon as might be convenient after the passing
of a soul from its earthly prison-house, in the manner described in "N. &
Q.," existed ten years ago in the parish of Rawmarsh, in the West Riding of
Yorkshire, and had existed there before I became its rector, twenty-two
years ago. First a brisk peal was rung, if I mistake not, on one of the
lighter bells, which was raised and lowered; then, upon the same, or some
other of the lighter bells, the sex of the deceased was indicated by a
given number of distinct strokes,--I cannot with certainty recall the
respective numbers; lastly, the tenor bell was made to declare the supposed
age of the deceased by as many strokes as had been counted years.